–Pigskin Preview - September 7 - by Michael Hughes
9 September 2007September 6, 2007
Games of Sept. 7, 2007
Reynolds @ Roberson
North Buncombe @ Pisgah
Smoky Mountain @ Murphy
East Henderson @ Owen
Erwin @ North Henderson
McDowell @ R-S Central
Asheville School @ Enka
“Cooler” temperatures (80s instead of 90s) are finally upon us as prep football in the mountains gears up for another big week. Big surprises last week include Tuscola’s dominance over Pisgah and Asheville High’s puzzling loss to independent school Charlotte Christian. The Knights, a formidable and notable opponent, have an enrollment of around 300 in grades 9 through 12. The Cougars should have pulled that one out. Asheville gets a night off this week to regroup. Roberson (2-0) headlines the Friday frenzy again this week with another get together with a huge rival—this time at home against neighboring Reynolds (1-1). The Rams’ defense has been unyielding, their rushing offense unstoppable, and the passing game is improving. The blue-and-gold has so far surrendered only a late touchdown pass at Brevard. That level of resistance will be tested at home against a team that spanked them last year 27-0. The Rockets’ new offense could explode at any time, but T.C.’s defense and special teams are ripe for the challenge. Rams, 28-14
Another offense on the rise is the variable Spread at North Buncombe (3-0). Last week’s opponent helped with five turnovers, and the Black Hawks eagerly cashed in the chips. Pisgah (2-1) is still stewing over last Friday and in no mood to be charitable. The Canton crazies will be out in full force, with enough noise from the high-rise home side to rock the nearby paper mill. Expect a good crowd to make the trip from Weaverville, and many to leave town with gravelly throats. Tuscola exposed a few weak links on the Black Bears—who played more like the “Cubs” coach David Pressley called them in July—and North Buncombe scouts paid close attention. Pressley also said his team might need to get their noses bloodied before their true colors would emerge. Will the Pisgah blitz work against mobile quarterback Randy Pressley? Can the visitors stop the big play pass? Black Hawks, 24-21
Don’t be fooled by the 35-7 shellacking Murphy (2-1) took at Chattahoochee (Ga.) High last week. The 5-A Cougars have won six region championships since 1997 and finished 7-4 last fall in Georgia’s largest football division. The Bulldogs host longtime rival Smoky Mountain (3-0) tomorrow night in a big showdown in a familiar setting. This time a year ago, the Mustangs were sitting 3-0 before Murphy burst their bubble in Sylva (35-17), one week after the visitors were pummeled at Chattahoochee. In an age of multiple Spread offenses, this is a big-time, old-school tilt featuring the standby wing-T (Murphy) versus the tried-and-true wishbone (Smoky Mountain). It’s deja` vu all over again. Bulldogs, 28-17
The passing game at East Henderson (2-1) is starting to come along as the running game is beginning to take shape. Both units pass through the fire this weekend at Owen (1-1). The Eagles defense is beginning to improve but the Warhorses have too many weapons and different looks to throw their way. This is another scenario similar to last season, when East pounded Owen at East Flat Rock a week after Reynolds had humbled the WHC power. The fortunes turn this time. Warhorses, 31-20
Erwin (1-2) is now on the rise while North Henderson (2-1) has been one of the surprise teams of ’07. Both go head-to-head this week at Glenn Marlow Stadium, the outcome determining the current direction of each team. Look for the starting quarterbacks to take charge early as the Warriors and Knights air it out in multiple directions, accompanied by an inside/outside running attack. Gaining an early advantage is key. Erwin has more power, better balance, and an improving defense. Warriors, 27-14
What else must McDowell (0-3) do to get a W? Adding to their climbing point total means longer games for the Titans, but it hasn’t helped on the scoreboard. The defense had better get it together or it could be a long season in other ways. R-S Central (2-1) scored 100 points in two early wins before losing 41-21 last week at Polk County. The Hilltoppers are experienced on both lines, and may try to control the clock to allow fewer touches for runaway train Buggy Kincaid. Good strategy, but McDowell gets a badly needed first win. Titans, 34-24
Nearby neighbors Enka (1-2) and Asheville School (0-1) do battle this week in beautiful Hominy Valley. The Blues are still in transition and got off to a rough start last week at Ben Lippen (SC). They aren’t ready to take on a MAC 3-A team, but the home side had best be prepared. They will. Jets, 31-8
—Michael Hughes
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